Maternal Risk Factors and Neonatal Outcomes of Preterm Birth in Benghazi, Libya

Abstract

Preterm birth is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide and remains a major public health challenge. Identifying maternal risk factors and evaluating neonatal outcomes are essential for improving pregnancy care and neonatal survival in Libya. This study aimed to identify the maternal risk factors associated with preterm birth and evaluate neonatal outcomes among preterm infants admitted at Benghazi Children’s Hospital, Libya. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using medical records of 100 preterm neonates and their mothers admitted to Benghazi Children’s Hospital between 2023 and 2025. Data on maternal characteristics, pregnancy-related risk factors, neonatal complications, and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The mean maternal age was 33.25 ± 5.12 years, while the mean gestational age and birth weight were 34.05 ± 1.48 weeks and 2.00 ± 0.50 kg, respectively. Maternal infection was the most frequently identified risk factor (34%), followed by multiple gestation (20%) and antepartum hemorrhage (9%). Respiratory distress syndrome was the most common neonatal complication (60%), followed by neonatal jaundice (33%), sepsis (7%), and anemia (5%). A strong positive correlation was observed between gestational age and birth weight (r = 0.749, p < 0.001). The neonatal survival rate was 92%, while the mortality rate was 2%. Associations between individual maternal risk factors and neonatal complications were generally weak and did not reach statistical significance. Maternal infection and multiple gestations were the predominant risk factors associated with preterm birth in Benghazi. Although respiratory distress syndrome remained the predominant neonatal complication, the overall survival rate was high. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening antenatal infection screening, providing specialized care for multiple pregnancies, and continuing to improve neonatal intensive care services to reduce the incidence of preterm birth in Libya.